Proof that reading really is good for your health

SAm says:

06:27am | 08/02/13

Depression has nothing to do with ‘Delusion’ mate

Al says:

06:38am | 08/02/13

While I tend to agree with what you say, I don’t see what it has to do with the article?
Are you trying to say that people suffering depression shouldn’t read fiction books that have the main character dealing with depressive issues or hardships and actualy coming out on top, or fiction books with happy endings?
I personaly think as long as they are not reading the ‘dark’ fiction dealing with things such as mass killers escaping justice etc or those pathetic self help books then reading, at the least will do no harm, and at best will actulaly provide them with some inspiration or motivation to get out of their low moods.
Delusion tends to be when a person can’t seperate reality from fantasy/fiction rather than actualy depression.

stephen says:

07:24am | 08/02/13

People with depression are most likely isolated in the first place, and remain isolated ; ‘pulling others down’ is something that is done by people who are consistently negative in the social sphere.
Get it ?

jg says:

08:43am | 08/02/13

The trouble is that people with depression pull others down with their actions and general negativity. High and low moods and emotions are normal, the shift away from reality towards delusion is the real problem.

Absolute crap. You’re equating depression to a bad or low mood, which couldn’t be further from thruth.

But then again, what more would you expect from acronob who also thinks that women are useless as engineers and in the workforce in general.?

saddlebags says:

08:53am | 08/02/13

I wouldn’t phrase it that way, Acotrel. One of the most dangerous aspects of depression is that sufferers feel as though they cannot turn to those around them; they fear belittlement and exclusion, and unfortunately those fears are not unjustified. Depression as an illness – not simply a brief moment of the blues – is persistent, pervasive, and lonely. Telling a depressed individual that they are “pull[ing] others down” won’t inspire them, and it runs the risk of further drilling in the thought that they are a burden and no one really wants them around.

Being an ally to someone with depression is difficult and those in such a position can often benefit from support of their own; I have no intentions of denying that. However, shifting the discussion away from the people who are actually suffering from the illness isn’t helpful, since society still bears enough ignorance and prejudice towards mental illness that it doesn’t need encouragement to sideline them.

subotic says:

08:56am | 08/02/13

the shift away from reality towards delusion is the real problem

See, hands-on, expert advice from a local, right here….

K^2 says:

09:42am | 08/02/13

“the shift away from reality towards delusion is the real problem”
I subscribe two readings which back this - Plato “The Allegory of the Cave” and “Simulacra and Simulation” by Jean Baudrillard

K^2 says:

09:51am | 08/02/13

bah i keep saying subscribe and I mean prescribe!

Dr. subotic PHD says:

10:28am | 08/02/13

I prescribe less reading and subscribe to more drinking on Fridays….

Bear says:

11:47am | 08/02/13

You should know as well as anyone, it’s Tory twits who pull people down.

K^2 says:

11:53am | 08/02/13

Subotic PHD stand for (on) Permanent Holiday?

Tell It Like It Is says:

12:12pm | 08/02/13

There is a huge difference between basic depressive illness what you are referring to.  Delusions come under the category of ‘psychosis’; worlds apart and different diseases altogether. And one does not lead to the other.

Of course seriously depressed people can be very ‘heavy’ to have around.

Overall I expect that depressive illness and other symptoms and diseases related to severe stress will decline steeply after 14 September.

subotic says:

12:39pm | 08/02/13

Prefers Hard Drugs….

Nostromo says:

01:34pm | 08/02/13

acotrel giving lessons on delusions. Just another mastercard moment at TP ROFLMFAO!!! >8^D

andye says:

06:41pm | 08/02/13

@acotrel - Ugh.

@saddlebags: “One of the most dangerous aspects of depression is that sufferers feel as though they cannot turn to those around them; they fear belittlement and exclusion, and unfortunately those fears are not unjustified.”

Its also very difficult to love someone with depression, or bipolar.

“Being an ally to someone with depression is difficult and those in such a position can often benefit from support of their own; I have no intentions of denying that. “

The real knife-in-the-guts irony of someone in that position is that the person they are supporting can occasionally be the worst enemy. You are defending them (and yourself) against a facet (or facets) of themselves. It can be utterly disheartening to look into eyes that are familiar, and yet… not.

Anyway, I like you saddlebags. Thoughtful balanced comments are few and far between here.

Elphaba says:

08:16am | 08/02/13

Rubbish.

I’ve listened to a whopping share of bleak, depressing music (go 90s grunge) and the last thing I was, was depressed.

An overly simplified explanation that as usual, is wrong.  Par for the course, acotrel.

SydneyGirl says:

09:40am | 08/02/13

Simplistic as usual.

I saw The Hours - not at all a happy, happy movie - when I was in a deep fog of depression that had lasted six months and for some reason it helped me see things clearly (the movie and my problems were not entirely related) than any cheerful book (actually banally cheerful books are depressing).

Probably the only time I liked Our Nic.  Or anything Michael Cunningham.  Though bloke playing Mr Woolf will always be perfect.

egg says:

10:21am | 08/02/13

acotrel, based on the two comments you’ve made relating to depression, I can honestly say that you need to shut up, as you have no idea. I have depression, and whether I’m listening to the most depressing shit, or the most upbeat, cheery melodies, makes absolutely no difference to the chemical imbalance in my brain.

Tell It Like It Is says:

01:26pm | 08/02/13

Well.. weren’t there incidents of people overdosing or worse after listening to, say The Doors (showing my age now). They certainly depressed me! But there have been other bands which led to suicide or other crimes. Nobody I’d listen to in a fit, as they say. However, there were also those bands whose lyrics were listened to backwards???? Very unfamiliar territory here, musically speaking. But true, no?

What are the ingredients of ‘diet of happiness’? Isn’t that what we’re all looking for, at least when we’re not reading The Punch!?

acotrel says:

08:58am | 08/02/13

Being depressed when unemployed is understandable, but it places people behind the eight ball. There is plenty on this planet to be happy about, but if you choose to always take the ‘glass half empty’ attitude, it shows and affects others.

Iggy Crash says:

09:24am | 08/02/13

Acotrel: I disagree. I am a glass half-full type but I spent a number of years battling depression and anxiety. My experience was the opposite, I was depressed and anxious mostly because I spent all of my time doing things for other people and being concerned that if I didn’t do enough to help I would bring people down. The only person effected was me. The people around me were nothing but emotional sinks who took advantage of me. Having some strong to show me this was the way out. While I’m not a researcher of any kind anecdotes from other people point the same way. Yes, depression is an ill was but it is often exacerbated by the things other people have done. The idea that depressed people are all pessimists is just wrong.

acotrel says:

09:34am | 08/02/13

Perhaps all the depressed people in my life are sane? It is just their expectation that I should be their benefactor and tolerate their headf*ck which is unusual ?

K^2 says:

09:38am | 08/02/13

@Acotrel - the Pessimist and the Optimist were arguing over the philosophy of the glass being either half empty, or half full.  They returned to the table to find an empty glass and a note that read “Dear Optimist and Pessimist, I drank your beverage. Signed - The Opportunist”

James1 says:

02:08pm | 08/02/13

It doesn’t matter if it is half full or half empty.  Either way, there is room for more beer.

jg says:

08:47am | 08/02/13

Stay up all night thinking of that did we?

gof says:

09:31am | 08/02/13

#jg ,
“Stay up all night thinking of that did we?”
Stayed up all night looking for a coalition policy between all the book covers. Still looking.

subotic says:

08:53am | 08/02/13

3 weeks off the drining now, feeling better!!

Imma take up drining myself…. *hic*

Sonya says:

08:49am | 08/02/13

well said marley

acotrel says:

08:52am | 08/02/13

I currently have some very depressed people in my life for whom I am picking up the pieces.  I’m sick of their self-indulgent crap, and what they believe are their rights. I wish they would just go away,

subotic says:

08:54am | 08/02/13

All my books are glossy.

And sticky….

Carz says:

09:03am | 08/02/13

marley I don’t expect The Punch to be held to the same standards as an academic journal. I do however expect proof if we are being told there is some, and that is what the headline says. Would you have us blindly believe everything the MSM tells us?

K^2 says:

09:31am | 08/02/13

+1 Marley, although I do question the motive behind subscribing “happy” books.  Reading shouldn’t be about just reading feel good fluffy topics, and why does the state or some state sanctioned body get to tell me (or anyone) what they should read?  Just like the saying goes “you are what you eat” similar with books - what you take in becomes part of you so “you are what you read” also. I think there is danger in having such a narrow focused “feel good” prescription - you should be free to read anything and not just “happy books” whatever that is supposed to mean.

marley says:

10:05am | 08/02/13

@Carz - the “proof” in this case isn’t the scientific proof you might find if you delved into the scientific periodicals; it’s the fact that the Brits are prescribing happy book lists.  Take it from there.  If you think you need more evidence, go to the journals, but this isn’t about whether books work or not, it’s about discussing how the British practice might be interpreted.

MattyC says:

12:06pm | 08/02/13

+1 Marley - i thought i would have a look and get some ideas for books to read. All I have seen in the comments is politics. Enough to depress, then I would need a happy book.

Anyway, the book that made an impact on me recently “The Book Thief”. Beautifully written but an emotional rollercoaster non the less

Lails says:

12:29pm | 08/02/13

@MattyC, I thought of the book thief straight away when reading this article. A beautiful book that takes you on a real emotional journey!

Mik says:

12:43pm | 08/02/13

@acotrel, get “I am Back from the Brink, Too”, a book by Graeme Cowan for carers of people with depression and have a look at the Black Dog Institute website as well. It is tough caring for somone with depression and so easy to fall into the well yourself if you cannot get some time out..Depressed people need the support of their loved ones but their loved ones need support as well - burnout is very real.

cornbread stuffing says:

03:04pm | 08/02/13

The best book to read if you are suffering from depression is “a fine balance”

that is all !!!

K^2 says:

10:01am | 08/02/13

Hey Sub - Huxley along with HG Wells, J.M. Keynes and Papa Huxley are all….fabians…at least you’ll be seeing the ALP agendas in there.

subotic says:

11:05am | 08/02/13

Fabians have about as much power over your daily life & choice of reality TV cooking shows as Annette Funicello does…

K^2 says:

12:21pm | 08/02/13

yeh thats a good theory, except Huxleys “Brave new world” is pretty much the ALP playbook

Chris L says:

02:01pm | 08/02/13

Games are not silly! You take that back! you take that back now!!!!!

But I agree,  reading at bedtime is definately a good way to wind down.

K^2 says:

01:37pm | 08/02/13

Good new australian writer called TLS CLarke, u can find his stuff on the web as it is digital only, also try any of Chuck Palahniuk’s stuff (The Survivor is a good start) also any Brett Easton Ellis stuff is good Glamaroma is a good light hearted read…I used to like Paulo Coelho but now Im not sure if I just read it to impress the girl that recommended it to me…The Alchemist was actually nicely written but an average story…some of his other stories are more read-worthy. 
Im also heading towards ‘classics’ now Dante and The Illiad and Odyssey are on my list, but also fairly recently ploughed through Moby Dick which wasn’t a terrible read…Pride and Prejudice make me shudder tho, I’d be more inclined to read Asimov before Jane Austin, but thats just me!

Pattem says:

01:40pm | 08/02/13

@St. Michael

Actually, there are at least 4 copies of The Silmarillion on the top shelf.

The best edition of The Lord of the Rings is the single volume, hardback illustrated edition, with artwork by Alan Lee.

Hemingway I find awkward.  A Farewell to Arms in particular, has a very stilted, yet repetitive style.  It is an interesting story, and fascinating setting, but his writing style I find gets in way of proper immersion into the story.  I think Hemingway’s favourite word was “AND”.  He had a very matter-of-fact or dry style.

I prefer Cormac McCarthy, who is popular with film-makers at the moment: The Road, No Country for Old Men.

If you want classic authors, whose works have expired copyright, then http://www.gutenberg.org is the place to go, with all the ebooks free.  Austen’s works are there!

BTW I left some Word of the Week suggestions back in yesterday’s article. 

marley says:

01:46pm | 08/02/13

@St Michael - you could probably get some of the latter list free as e-books, because they’d be out of copyright.  Well, Dostoyevsky would be, for sure.  And the others would be cheaper, I suspect, than hard copy books.

St. Michael says:

02:05pm | 08/02/13

In truth, probably the main reason I’m not buying more is because I’ve got a list half a mile long to get through.  I went a little bit mad buying books recently, and the ambit (PATTEM!) of my purchasing was mostly what I’d been recommended as the “good stuff”.

Moby Dick is sitting waiting, as is Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”.  So’s “Sense and Sensibility”, a couple of Bronte novels, a couple of Wilbur Smiths, and “First Among Equals”.  It’s gotten so my wooden bookshelves are bowing under the weight.  Perhaps if I’d had shelves made out of Afrormosia (PATTEM!) I wouldn’t be having this problem.

No doubt you’ll feel some schadenfreude (PATTEM!) when you hear I couldn’t get through “The Plague” by Camus; but then I have to tell the truth lest I be accused of being a fanfaron (PATTEM!).

Happy reading, guys!

Chris L says:

02:07pm | 08/02/13

I noticed a lot of classic literature was re-released for the Christmas shopping period in wonderful leatherbound volumes. The shop I go to still have plenty left and I’ve been updating the collection. Nothing like the smell of new books!

St. Michael says:

02:09pm | 08/02/13

@ K^2: In sci-fi, have you had the pleasure of an Iain M. Banks yet? I’ve only read “The Player of Games”, but it seems a nice introduction to the Culture series and in parts it packs a wallop.  I’ve had “Use of Weapons” recommended to me, too.

Pattem says:

03:24pm | 08/02/13

@St. Michael

I nominate St. Michael for the Nosebleed Section, for managing to include: fanfaron, ambit, schadenfreude and afrormosia into a single post.

Admittedly, your post was a little ‘strained’, but impressive none-the-less.

Well done, chap!  I am suitably impressed

LJ Dots says:

03:35pm | 08/02/13

St Michael - I could also strongly suggest The Wasp Factory.

Pattem says:

03:47pm | 08/02/13

Since we are recommending, I actually found His Dark Materials trilogy (Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass), by Philip Pullman, to be dense and very eloquently written for what is essentially seen as a Young Adult work.

How someone manages to weave such abstract philosophies into what is essentially ‘young’ reading is impressive.  It is not so much Anti-Christian (as some purport), as it is as much Anti-Establishment.

And on that note, that leads into another potential Word of the Week:

Antidisestablishmentarianism

St. Michael says:

04:23pm | 08/02/13

I did read Northern Lights, found it interesting enough, but never really worked up the enthusiasm for Subtle Knife.  Not sure exactly why that was.

Now, if we head back down to the slightly-less-noble-stuff that still cooks as a story, I’ve got one to recommend: “First Blood”, by David Morell.  Yes, that First Blood, the Stallone movie.  This was the book that the film was based on.  If you can find it somewhere around, it’s a surprisingly taut, almost hysterical, read.  No overmuscled Rambo types here, Rambo’s described as a “kid”, and the ending is much, much more satisfying to say the least.  Col. Trautman is played as a symbol of antidisestablishmentarianism.

LJ Dots says:

04:40pm | 08/02/13

You know, it’s difficult to judge a book review from (for example) Booktopia or Book Depository since you have no way of knowing the reviewers interests or history and miss that insight into what they think makes a good book.

To my mind, this is why The Punch is a great source for book recommendations since you can gauge a persons views and get their ‘theme’ (for want of a better word) by first reading their previously posted comments.

Well. It works for me anyway. Recommend away Punchers..

St. Michael says:

05:33pm | 08/02/13

@ LJ Dots: try goodreads.com, mainly because it has slightly less shills for publishers putting in fake reviews.  Most of the people there are members, so you can track down their previous reading interests.  I’ve done a bit of scouting books out over there—and the most prominent user review of Fifty Shades of Grey is side-splittingly funny, almost makes up for the book being written.

Pattem says:

05:35pm | 08/02/13

@St. Michael, you are a Wordsmith of prodigious mental prowess!

I take my hat off to you…

What can you do with:

eidolon
vapid
xenogamy

marley says:

05:48pm | 08/02/13

@LJ Dots - well, given that comment, I suspect you won’t be amazed to know that I don’t read a lot of modern fiction, but do read history and science books (interspersed with mystery novels and PG Wodehouse).  Each to his own….

Pattem says:

05:49pm | 08/02/13

Probably my favourite Spy Thriller is Daddy by Loup Durand.  With the chess-like machinations that unwind between an 11 yo prodigy and his Nazi pursuer, it is tightly written and a tense read, with plenty of intrigue. It is set during WWII.  I always recommend this.

Chris L says:

06:06pm | 08/02/13

@St Michael - I found First Blood rather disturbing after being so used to the movie. Still a good read, especially since it’s not so obvious who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.

kitteh says:

06:43pm | 08/02/13

Some of my newer discoveries:
Child of God, by Cormac McCarthy - in spite of McCarthy’s resurgence, still overlooked and undervalued.
Mister Pip, by Lloyd Jones.
A Fringe of Leaves, by Patrick White - ten thousand English Lit teachers still can’t drain its power.

I read a lot of nonfiction crime - a genre overstuffed with hacks and sensationalism - but occasionally you find a gem. I recommend almost anything by Jack Olsen (sadly now deceased, his last book, I, being his worst), particularly Give A Boy A Gun and the stunning Salt of the Earth.
.

LJ Dots says:

06:59pm | 08/02/13

marley. I’m actually a bit of a fan of Wodehouse myself.

Apologies for the brevity of this comment - 2 minutes to cut off *shakes fist at The Punch*

marley says:

01:48pm | 08/02/13

As Ally pointed out in comment up above, there are two lists.  This is the feel-good one:

http://readingagency.org.uk/adults/tips/mood-boosting-books-2012-list.html